ANGLING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3899, 4 December 1928, Page 54

ANGLING.

By

Jock Scott.

To bo a perfect fisherman you require more excellencies than are usually to be found in sueb a email space as is allotted to a man’s carcass Pahk-Bii Gilmour. Readers are invited to contribute items of local fishing news for insertion in this column. For insertion in the ensuing issue thev should reach Dunedin by Saturday night’s mail.

FIXTURES. Following are the fixtures of the Otago Anglers’ Association for the season’s competitions— Dec. B.—Contour Channel. Any legal bait. Jan. 12.—Tomahawk Lagoon. Bare fly. Feb. 2.—Tomahawk Lagoon. Any legal bait. March 2. —Walkouaitl River. Any legal bait.

An angler who returned from a ti’ip to the Oreti in the vicinity of Lumsden states that in that portion of the river the water was very clear. The river is full of fish in that particular district, and trout up to 141 b are plentiful. Although the fish are plentiful, however, they are difficult to catch —a not uncommon experience, as very often the fish beats the fisher, no matter how experienced he may be. A telegram from Te Anau states that Atlantic salmon are very numerous this season, and that the fish, with very few exceptions, are in good condition. According to report, anglers are having gcod sport, and good baskets have beeo secured since the opening of the season. I understand that two Dunedin anglers are leaving for the Lake, and on their return I hope to be able to give anglers seme definite first-hand information.

Writing from Mosgiel on November 25. an angler states that he and a friend had been at Lumsden for four days. He found the river very clear, but the pair of anglers caught 100 fish between them for the four days they were there. The fish ran up to 2Slb in weight and were all in good condition. The large fish were not on the move while the anglers were at Lumsden.

The same angler writes that he paid a visit to the Deep Stream on Saturday, and secured seven fish weighing up to lio. lhe Deep Stream was in good order for angling, and there were evidently plenty of fish in the river. The catch was made by means of the Red-tipped Governor. An angler fishing the contour channel reports having caught seven fish, all on the fly, in a little over an hour. The water was in perfect fly-fishing order, and the competition to be held under the auspices of the Otago Anglers’ Association should, all things being favourable, be a great success. However, the weather m Otago, and even in far-away parts, is not to be depended upon for much more than an hour or two at present. An angler very recently returned from the Owaka reports that in two days he took 21 fish, weighing up to All were caught on the fly (Red-tipped Governor). He was lucky to get a fish up to sAlb, and must have been no. far from the lower reaches to do so. Those sorts of fish taken were out of the Owaka. •as far as the upper reaches are concerned, long ago. B ut I do not mean to say that one or two may not still remain about Tahatika, or even above and below there. The river was on the low side at the time of writing, but nevertheless in very good fishing order. The lower end of the river was inclined to be weedy. The angler states that two other anglers fishing at the head of the Catlin’s River took 27 fish, averaging about 2J’b. One fish, weighing about 91b, is reported to have been taken at the top end of the Catlin’s.

The Shag River was still very low towards the week-end, but after Friday and Saturday’s rain ought to have been in very fair order for the week-end. At anyrate, its condition should have been very much improved. The sixth competition held under the guidance of the Otago Anglers’ Association was held at the Tomahawk Lagoon on Saturday, November 24, and attracted 12 competitors. It was a bare fly competition, and resulted in Mr T. Veitch’s coming out “ on top ” with five fish, weighing 51b 6oz. The second prize winner was Mr G. Kitchen, who caught three fish, weighing 31b. Mr W. Wilson secured three fish, weighing 31b 3oz, but being handicapped to the extent of 33 1-3 per cent, failed to gain second place. The hours of fishing were restricted to from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and it is worthy of note that nearly all the fish taken were caught between 9 and 10 p.m. After the competition was concluded several anglers returned to the water and secured a good many fish. This all points U the conclusion that the time to fish the Tomahawk Lagoon is at night time, and the later the better. I propose to have “ a go ” at it mvself some fine night, and see if my hand has forgotten its cunning. Of course if I fail I am “ as dumb as a drum with a hole in it,” but if I succeed — well, anglers will get the benefit of any good news. I regret to notice that the premises of Messrs Tolan and Company, in Wellington, have been amongst the buildings that suffered through the recent fire. This is responsible for the temporary suspensien of the New Zealand Fishing and Shooting Gazette, but it is the intention of the management to come out with a double issue in January, and so make up as far as possible for any disappointment experienced. Although the New Zealand Fishing and Shooting Gazette has not been in existence very long, it contains a good deal of valuable information about fishing far and near. The Wyndham Anglers’ Club held an angling competition recently which resulted in E. Beange coming first with 21 fish weighing 211b.-3oz (scr); J. Hayes second with 14 fish weighing 121 b 2oz (scr); John Young third with 10 fish weighing 91b 1240 z (scr) ; A. E. Ireland. 8 fish, 7ib lOoz (10 per cent, handicap), 81b soz; Robert Robertson, 8 fish, 51b lloz (less 15 per cent). 51b 6Joz: and W. Sands, 5 fish, 31b lOoz (plus 15 per cent), 41b 740 z. The conditions were half a day on the Wyndham with the bare fly. The river was in good trim, but a keen easterly wind was blowing, and this

militated against the fish rising freely - Creel,” writing at the weex-end in the Southland Lunes, says:—Beautiful summer weather prevailed tor the weekend, and hundreds of anglers visited our local rivers. Generally speaking, the trout were fairly hard to engage, as the rivers were found to be clearer than on any previous occasion this season, consequently ,fine tackle was the order for the day. The Makarewa River was down to normal, and it was noticed that it is only a matter of a few weeks now when this river will be beyond hope as a “fly” proposition, owing to the large quantities of weed growing rapidly in the pools and ripples. Some heavy trout are to be observed in this river, and the lucky rod to strike the opportune time, especially for the evening “ rise,” should be rewarded with something special All the fish caught from this river have been in the pink of condition. The Waikaia Kixer was showing signs of snow water, but despite this fact, Mr P. C. Hazledin > caught a total of 15 good fish. The Ureti Inver in the upper waters was in good order, and some fair bags were taken on the fly, Mr H. Geddes secured a liui't bag on the Hagard and Dark Red Sphwer. Mr 1 cter Donnelly and another fisherman had about 20 at Centre Bush on the floating worm, and Mr A. D. Burn also secured some nice specimens in this locality. Other bags were:—Air II Ihompson 12,- and Mr T. Robertson Above VV niton Air W. Checketts and family bagged about 20, Airs Checketts being responsible for 11 o f the catch. I’iom the Makarewa River during las, veek Airs 11. Andrews, two four-pounders; H. A Lyons one 51b; and A. L. Whelham two 21b hsh, were among the successful visitors. On the 18th ult. the SouthAnglci's Club held its second conipetition on the Aparima River, the lure allowed being bare fly. The trout on this stream were decidedly patchy, consequently small bags were the order of the clay hollowing is- the result of the weigh-in:—D Nelson, G fish, 811 b; R Brown, 6 fish, 7Jlb; J. F. R D'arragh, 8 fish- /lb; 1. Copland. 8 fish, 641 b; H bhut lew-orth, 8 fish, 6Jlb; H. 5 fish, 641 b; A. Pay, 5 fish, 4?lb; W. Rance 4 hsh, 4.}lb; A. Fox, 3 fish, 341 b; ! C ,a T m ’ T 3 fish ’ 3 ' !b = L - Walker. w'‘ W H b A J- Louden, 2 fish, 21b; and p ■ 2 fish, 21b. Writing further, Cicel states: The Aparima River apparently contains some good trout this xr’ , ! OJ vzr a 9 it is reported that Air M Al Auhffe caught a basket of 12 anionwhich were three 31b fish, with Aide -March Brown the killing fly. Air T S Mackie had four from Wrev’s Bush aul Messrs C. and E. Blomfield beached a total of 14 per medium of the floatinworm At Te Anau the Atlantic salmon are also found to be unrealiable as far as their feeding periods are concerned, and there is certain a large element of luck in visiting this locality, quite a few visitors being disappointed lately. Amoiithe lucky anglers were Alessrs G Macaulay and party. Air Hefford. the chief inspector of fisheries (who was on an exploration tour), and two local anglers.

Our correspondent, writing from Temuka on November 29, states as follow's : —

The rivers in South Canterbury continue to provide excellent sport, fish being generally in good condition for this season of the year, and are taking freely when the weather is suitable. As the result of the rain on Wednesday most of the streams are somewhat swollen, and some will remain so until practically all the snow on the mountains disappears under the summer warmth. Where the streams are not affected by snow fhe sport is good, and some remarkable baskets have been made. Several anglers have caught the limit on occasions, and sometimes on several consecutive days. Up to now jt has not been unusual for fishermen to have to throw back a large proportion of small trout; but as the season advances this is becoming less frequent. In some of the streams near Temuka early morning is th- favourite time for fishing, and anglers are realising this. A feature of fishing in South Canterbury this year is the number of juveniles to be seen, and some of them have been remarkably successful. The Rangitata is coming into its own now’. Good baskets of fish of about four or five pounds’ weight are by no means uncommon. The Orari continues to provide good sport for fly fishers, and reports of baskets of 10 and 12 fish of from threequarters to one pound in weight are numerous. Those who patronise the Waih! are still satisfied with the result of their efforts. This stream has been heavily fished with the fly lately, and baskets of eight or nine nice fish are frequently taken in an afternoon or evening. The Opihi, especially in the lower wmters, is being well fished, and with a good deal of success. Near the mouth some of the pools have yielded up to 16 fish of three-quarters to tw’o pounds and a-half in. weight to one rod on an evening. The recent rains should improve the Pareora, which was getting very low and weedy, though in some of the best pools many anglers have been catching their limit, so that under improved conditions reports of big catches should shortly be heard of.

It is expected that new regulations governing the taking of Atlantic salmon in the Rangitata will shortly 5e issued. These will not prejudicially affect the fisherman who elects to catch good coloured and good-conditioned fish. The regulations are aimed mainly at protecting the fish while on the spawning beds, at a time when they are valueless as food and quite useless from a sporting point of view'. The regulations will most likely apply to all the waters from the Raules Gully Creek upwards through the Mesopotamia country, and the fish will be protected. from the month of March onwards. The regulations are expected

also to prohibit foul hooking, with minnows, spoons, or other gear, known as salmon-snatching. The regulations, which will be welcomed by all true sportsmen. are expected to be gazetted shortly. - The local tourist office has received advice from Pembroke that the weather and fishing conditions there are excellent. One small party secured 50 fish averaging s Jib for one day’s fishing. Deep Stream is fishable and is yielding good sport. Large quantities of fish have recently been taken from Lee Stream, and this water is said to be in good order. Alost encouraging reports come from Owaka as to that river, 1 hough its lower reaches are beginning to shew signs of weed, the river geuen ally is all that comd be desired in respect tc condition.

Although the Inglewood Eel Club has been in operation only four weeks, the tally already mjide by the clerk of scales, Air A. Kennedy, is a tribute alike to the energy of its members and the productivity of the streams (reports the Auckland Star). The total of eels caught has already reached the huge number of 1011, which, at a low estimate, is calculated to weigh over one ton five hundredweight. Practically every stream in the district is represented. One ecl of 161 b was found to have swallowed a trout 19 inches long, whilst another of the same weight contained a full-grown blackbird. A third and comparatively small eel weighing 81b contained a trout measuring llinches and a-half.

In a letter received on Tuesday by an Invercargill angler from Air Romer Grey, Zane Grey’s son, who is at present? on a fishin- trip through Southland, some interesting impressions are given (says the Southland Times) :—“ There is not much for me to say as yet regarding the fishing, but I have certainly gained many fine impressions already. This Southland is a great country—and a beautiful one. The Oreti is a wonderful river.” Taupo trout are in better condition than last year, says Air F. Dyer, honorary Consul for Greece in New Zealand, an enthusiastic and expert angler whose experience of the Ton-ariro and Taupp waters makes his dictum valuable (says a North Island exchange). Launch parties are. getting splendid fish in deep water on the lake, but the latter—is higher than usual, and waders find tlicir old haunts changed. The roads are in excellent motoring condition. Taupo has wakened up to the ne' 1 for beautifying the township, and the /aupo Beautifying Society has done a good deal of planting with shrubs and flowers. Our Waikato correspondent reports as follows: “ The second competition of the local angling club was held recently on the Waikaia River. Nine anglers took part, and several obtained the limit, though the fish were small. Artificial bait had to be used, either bare fly or minnow, though members would have been more successful with a natural bait as the stream was discoloured and swollen. Air Alexander Christie, jun.,. and Air J. ATDonald tied for the heaviest basket, 121 b soz, while the trophy for the heaviest fish also fell to Air Alexander Christie, jun., 11b 12oz (cleaned weight). The total weight of the fish taken was 201 b, of which 501 b were forwarded to the Gore Public Hospital. The remaining totals were: Alessrs Andrew Christie, 91b 15oz (19 fish); D. Sanson, 91b 12oz (24); T. A. Chamberlain, 81b 15oz (25); R. Brett. 81b 3oz (22); AL Collins. 71b 9oz (22); G. Stevenson. 51b 4o:r (16); D. Thomas, 51b 4oz (15).” Our North Otago correspondent, writing on November 27, says: “Fishing with the fly on the Kakanui has become very popular, and at the week-end good baskets were obtained, some anglers taking as many as 20 fish. Alinnow fishing on the Waitaki River has improved considerably. One fisherman took 10 nice fish, and the whole of those who tried the river met with more or less success. The largest fish taken turned the scale at 121 b.”

Our Wanaka correspondent, writing on November 27, says: “Fishermen are now becoming more active in pursuit of sport, and some good catches have been taken from both the Wanaka and Hawea Lakes. A party on Lake Hawea secured 26 fish on Saturday last. The fish were of good size and in fine condition.”

The bright moonlight has had an adverse effect on fishing hi the Selwyn during the past week, and sport has not been good (says the Christchurch Sun). In the Waimakariri, however, where the water is slightly discoloured just now, anglers have fared better. Some fair bags were obtained between the railway and White’s bridges. Though whitebaiters may censure the Grey River for its failure to render tlip usual season’s offering of whitebait, anglers continue to land good bags of trout caught from Omoto to the wharf (says the Greymouth Evening Star). The two anglers whose catch of nine fish was reported on Alonday were again successful last evening, landing another nine fish from the stretch between the back of the Omoto racecourse and Omoto Creek. The trout went from 21b to 61b weight, with only one small fish in the bag. Another angler landed a bag of three between Cobden bridge and O’Leary rock. The fish are reported to be in heavy condition and fighting well.

Anglers met with little succes, generally, in the country rivers during the week-end (says the Timaru Herald). About 30 trout were caught in the Ashburton River, weighing up to 341 b. The river at the mouth is unsuitable for fishing. As a result of the river being in nood some little time ago the course has been altered, and the curve at the mouth has changed to a direct passage into the sea, leaving no place for fish to settle. Anglers at the Rangitata were rewarded with a few small catches.

The last of this season’s trout fry have now been liberated iu Canterbury streams and rivers, and the North Canterburv Acclimatisation Society’s hatcheries are empty (says the Christchurch Sun) . The final lot wejit out on Thursday. They numbered 2000 rainbow, and were liberated in the Weka Creek at Waipara. The last of the quinnat salmon were put out last week at Lake Coleridge.